After the first two stages and Rik's accompanying story, we were already completely won over. Cycling in Greece: Peloponnese - II is another gem. Greece is an underrated destination for a wonderful cycling holiday. The Peloponnese region is rugged, varied and it is a living photo-shoot location. Maarten Zuur, who was along on this trip, did a sterling job of capturing everything on film. Watch and enjoy for yourself. Cycling in Greece on the Peloponnese is beautiful!
This is Sparta!
Today, 126 long kilometres are on the programme. And not just any 126 kilometres. We are riding a round of Sparta. That name alone will remind many of the film '300'. The cry 'this is Sparta' is almost legendary. For me, this day is all goosebumps. The whole day. Could it be the 2,500 altimeters?
In the morning, we head straight to a square for breakfast. While we have a coffee as a finale, we sit and wait for 'the guys'. We get company on this ride. One by one, they roll into the little square. These guys are so-called 'pacers'. Pedal Greece offers you the opportunity to drum up some local cyclists to accompany you on your trip. The big advantage: these pacers know the area and during the ride they are happy to tell you about it, as well as about themselves and Greek culture, for example. They are just good conversations. The second advantage: if you don't have such good legs for a while, you can seek the lee of the group.
Go West
The four of us finally set off from Sparta. We head west, towards Mount Taygetos. From the start of our drive, the terrain is nicely rolling. We gradually climb from an altitude of 200 to 850 metres. Logically, the view becomes more beautiful by the minute. Meanwhile, we talk to each other endlessly. It really feels like coming home. These guys are really good company. After about two hours of driving, we make our first coffee stop. The place where we stop feels authentic. 100% Greek if you ask me. On the terrace, we join some locals. That's cycling in Greece too.
Further up
Immediately after our coffee, we drive into the mountains to an altitude of 1400 metres. The climb is 45 kilometres in total with a fine gradient. However, some parts are 10% to 14%, which is quite challenging with the sun high in the sky and 35 degrees Celsius. I do struggle, but complaining is not an option. The more pedal strokes, the more mountainous the view. Just before the summit, we are presented with another stunning view. A view with the Mediterranean in the background. Perhaps the best part was the descent back to Sparta. But I will come back to that later.
From Sparta to Kalamata
Today we take it a little easier. This time only 61 kilometres of cycling with 'only' 1400 altitude metres ahead of us. We ride from Sparta through the mountains to Kalamata, ending up on the beach. How cool is it to finally be able to splash in the blue water at the end of your ride. If you can also have a delicious pancake lunch afterwards, that's great for me!
I end up being joined by three other guests. Doros a.k.a. Alexlak rides with us from now until the final day. Also, Loukas, a.k.a. Loukassoulos rides with us, but only up to the top of the climb and then he goes back to Sparta. We were supposed to have more 'pacers', but we were unexpectedly visited by Petros, the Greek junior champion. He too will join us up to the top.
The climb turns out to be the spectacular Langada pass, from which we descended yesterday. This road connects the cities of Sparta and Kalamata. This is by far the most beautiful mountain pass on this trip. It is similar to the spectacular 'Gorges' in France. The big difference: you are all alone here. The climb is really fantastic, full of hairpin bends and overhanging cliffs on the way up.
Views
Driving up the slopes and small descents, you get stunning views of the mountain, the landscape and the sea below. Simply put, it is a breathtaking climbing experience here in Greece.
Saying goodbye to Loukas and Petros, Doros and I continue down towards Kalamata. Again, a nice hotel where we check in for two nights. Once inside, we both quickly change from bib shorts to swim shorts and head to the beach. For a swim and a good lunch. A cycling holiday in Greece is so highly recommended.
Peloponnese routes
Courtesy of Pedal Greece we could cycle these beautiful routes.
